Here are some suggestions for your summer holiday capsule checklist. Remember, these are guidelines only. Mix and match as you please according to your own personal style, of course.
1 pair of lightweight pants – the lighter the better. Man-style, wide, flat-front and straight styles are most flattering and go with just about everything. Think white linen draw-string as an example of the style I’m talking about here – or classic capris.
1 pair of tailored shorts – knee length for a universally flattering look. Dress them down with ballet flats or strappy flats or dress them up with heels or wedges.
1 pair of casual shorts – whatever length you feel most comfy in. They can be cotton or denim or any fabric your heart desires. They can be worn over swimmers, walking on the beach, to the corner store…you know the drill.
1 pair of denim jeans – for versatility and cover-up on cooler days/nights
1 lightweight skirt – again, for versatility. Change shoes from high to low to dress up or down.
At least 1 dress – Make it versatile, something you can wear sightseeing, but also dress up for dinner. Perhaps your style is a classic shift, shirt dress, summer smock or wrap style? For others it may be a maxi (Maxi style tip: beware bikini-triangle style tops with too much flowing fabric. This style just guarantees that YOU look maxi i.e. large!)
3 plain cotton jersey tops – boat neck, wide V- neck or camisole, it’s up to you. Choose one in each of your favourite colours so can also use them for layering/accessorising.
1 kaftan or Tunic – My absolute must-have. Great as a cover-up on the beach, but also great for day or evening with your lightweight trousers, dressed up or down.
2 or 3 casual tops – Think short-sleeved cotton or silk – include tunic tops and the compulsory tanks (so ok…maybe more than 3 is needed!)
1 evening top – choose something in your strongest colour or a light creamy neutral or black.
1 lightweight cotton cardigan – V-necks will work with almost anything. Choose one of your 3 favourite colours or (ofcourse) white, cream for versatility.
A soft (preferably plain) sarong. You can wear this as an evening cover-up, or skirt-style on the beach.
1 pair of comfy flats – e.g. ballet flats, converse-style sneakers, plimsolls or loafers
1 pair of simple flat t-bar sandals – or jeweled if that’s more your style
1 pair of heeled sandals – wedges or espadrilles are great. They’ll work with almost anything, day and night.
Now all you need do is throw in some sunnies, a floppy hat, swimmers, a large beach tote, a simple cross-body satchel/bag and that’s pretty much it! Now you’ve got a fail-safe summer survival kit, and from the capsule example described here, you can actually achieve over 50 different looks!